I picked up a copy of Positive News that someone gave me on Thursday, and the front page was splashed with the headline: “Change money, change the world.” Some innovative young economists, led by Ben Dyson, see that the problems of the current debt crisis flow from the way money is created (in England) not only by the Bank of England but also in an uncontrolled way by banks every time they lend.

Eight percent of bank lending is productive, “whereas the remaining 92% goes on property and financial speculation.” For more info, see the article in Positive News, or go to the Positive Money web site.

Surely it’s too early to judge whether David Cameron was right to veto the new EC treaty. As time goes on, I think I’m admiring his bravery. On a matter of principle he said “no” while other leaders said “yes” which is really “maybe” as they need to take the issue to their parliaments. Will David Cameron turn out to be a sole voice, or a leader of a movement?

Of course, as the papers are saying, the publicity of this obscures the absence in the plans presented of a solution to the problems of the Euro – and do we really believe more central control is the answer to everything in the 21st Century?

All this leads me to the best comment I’ve seen (in this week’s The Week) from Terry Smith CEO of Tullett Prebon (on BBC Radio 4 Today Programme 9th December 2011), “Britain is as isolated as somebody who refused to join the Titanic just before it sailed.” I like that!

I recently read an account on BBC News of David Cameron’s speech yesterday at Christ Church Cathredral, Oxford, on the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible.

It’s good to see him speaking of his own faith and how he sees Christianity benefitting people in the UK generally, and not just those who see themselves as Christians.

In particular, he said, “Moral neutrality or passive tolerance just isn’t going to cut it any more… Let me be clear: I am not in any way saying that to have another faith – or
no faith – is somehow wrong… I am also incredibly proud that Britain is home to many different faith communities, who do so much to make our country stronger… But what I am saying is that the Bible has helped to give Britain a set of values and morals which make Britain what it is today… it is easier for people to believe and practise other
faiths when Britain has confidence in its Christian identity… Many people tell me it is much easier to be Jewish or Muslim here in Britain than it is in a secular country like France… because the tolerance that Christianity demands of our society provides
greater space for other religious faiths too. And because many of the values of a Christian country are shared by people of all faiths and indeed by people of no faith at all.”

As St Paul’s Cathedral becomes the epicentre for people (being named Occupy) who want space to speak out about their powerlessness in the current “financial situation”, and the church is faced with ethical dilemmas which result in Giles Fraser, the Chancellor of the cathedral, resigning, here are three clippings that have caught my attention.

It seems to me a wholly appropriate that the Church, and to St Paul’s Cathedral in particular sited as it is in the financial centre of London, is challenged to consider how it relates to unrest about financial leadership in society.

Wangari, who challenged the Kenyan establishment and empowered women through the planting of trees – and won the Nobel Peace Prize for it – died on 25th September. I’m aware of her because one of the songs we sing in our community choir (“Sow the Seed” by Polly Bolton) commemorates her work. See this Daily Telegraph article to be impressed.

Sometimes I find myself reading about how Christians have a hard time in Britain or elsewhere, or about how militant Islam is not always kind to other faiths.

Here’s some interesting balance to the arguments. A recent study shows that it’s not easy being religious in the UK – that the UK is not top of the list of those countries who allow freedom of religion.